Chapter 1

Just as Max Gardner and I were about to complete the final step of our marriage license at City Hall, he was called away by a phone call.

I was left standing there alone in City Hall, stuck with no idea whether to continue or walk away.

I called him, but he didn't answer. I texted him, and he didn't reply, either.

In the end, I had no choice but to dig up the number of his childhood sweetheart and call her instead.

Max picked up and shouted, "Zara, are you serious right now? Kiana sprained her ankle. I'm taking care of her today. She is resting. Stop blowing up our phones and waking her up. We can reschedule the day to get our marriage license."

I bit my lower lip and murmured, "Including this time, we've already changed the date seven times."

"So what? City Hall isn't going anywhere," Max snapped, impatience clear in his voice. My face stayed blank, but it felt like my heart was being carved out of my chest.

A staff member asked gently, sympathy in her tone, "Miss, do you still want to go through with it?"

I gave a small nod. "Yes."

*****

I called my best friend, Oliver Anderson's older brother, James Anderson, and told him I was okay with what he wanted

After hanging up, I let the staff at City Hall know to wait for me a little longer.

While I was still spaced out, James walked in.

He rolled up on a flashy motorcycle, took off his helmet, and as soon as he walked in, he instantly caught the attention of everyone at City Hall.

James strolled over to me, sat down in the chair next to mine, crossed his legs, and gave me a playful grin. "So, you finally came around? Ready to fake marry me to deal with all that family drama?"

I nodded softly.

Honestly, it wasn't just about dealing with my family's pressure to get married. The most important reason for this marriage was so Grandpa could have peace of mind before he leaves us.

His health started failing about six months ago.

He had been living in the hospital every day, and every time he saw me, he'd always ask when I was finally going to get married.

He just wanted to see me in a wedding dress. He wanted to see me walk down the aisle.

He said that way, even when he had gone, there'd still be someone to look after me.

So I started urging Max Gardner to get married about six months ago.

We had made it to City Hall seven times, but every single time, something messed it up, and we never got it done.

The last time, Kiana Lane was on her period and in so much pain that Max had to rush home to make her some soup.

The time before that, Kiana lost her keys and couldn't get into her apartment, so Max had to go help her out.

The time before that, Kiana was hungry and wanted food from a restaurant on the north side of town, so he had to go wait in line for her.

All seven times, it was always because of Kiana. Every single time, Max would abandon me without a second thought.

Ironically, I gave him seven chances. But he couldn't even bother to stay for our final photo together.

Honestly, this time when Max walked out, I didn't even feel that hurt.

Maybe I'd just gotten used to it. Or maybe I'd seen it coming all along.

Suddenly, Grandpa's words from not long ago echoed in my mind. "Zara, I'm afraid I won't be around much longer. I might not get to see you in a wedding dress.

"But even if you end up alone, you have to live bravely, and never let anyone walk all over you."

I promised him I'd be strong, no matter what. So this time, I was done compromising. I gave Max more than enough chances, seven times in total.

Everything with James at City Hall went off without a hitch. But right as we were about to take our wedding photo, my phone suddenly buzzed. It was a message from Max.

Max: [Hey, Zara, don't be mad. I really couldn't get away this time, but I whipped up your favorite food at home. Come back and dig in when you're done.]

James gave me a casual glance and smirked, "Still want to keep going?"

I took a deep breath, expressionless. "Yes."

After we finished all the paperwork, I walked out of City Hall with my marriage license in hand.

Before leaving, I turned to James. "Are you free tomorrow? I want you to come with me for something."

James took those long strides and hopped onto his motorcycle in one smooth move. "Just call me if you need anything. Who knows, maybe in a couple of days, I'll need you to show up for my parents, too."

With that, he just rode off on his bike.

It was funny how life worked sometimes.

Max and I spent four years together in college and three more after graduation, but after all those years, we still didn't make it.

And yet, here I was, married to Olivia's brother, a guy I'd only met once before.

On the way home, I got another text from Max. This time, he sent a photo. The dining table was loaded with all sorts of tasty dishes.

Max: [Why aren't you back yet? Food's ready. If you're late, there won't be anything left.]